My Outdoor Dining Wishlist

Vintage florals and plaids straight from the 80's

I try to practice a touch of restraint around the house (mine and my clients’), but when it comes to summertime dining, not the case! A turquoise fish pitcher here, a cherry-printed tablecloth there. It’s the one place I want things to feel a little over-the-top. Outside you can get away with vibrant colors, layered patterns, even a funky chair or two—it’s already a relaxed scene, so there’s more room for risks. Plus if the table’s pulling its weight, the food doesn’t have to. I’ve been known to plate weeknight takeout and make it a dinner party.

So in that spirit, I’m sharing a few things on my outdoor dining wishlist. In no way do I think you need to purchase a single thing on this list—but if this nudges you to swap the beige for something with a little more pop, I’ll call it a win!

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Table Linens

rose block printed napkins, cherry tablecloth, checkered tablecloth, striped napkins, blue onion tablecloth

There are a few things I never overthink—and tablecloths are one of them. If I spot one I love, it’s coming home with me. I’m reaching for vintage florals and plaids that feel straight out of the '80s and '90s—the kind you probably grew up eating spaghetti on. I buy secondhand from Etsy and layer them over one another.

I’m definitely going to attempt a DIY tablecloth this summer. I love the idea of something hand-painted and imperfect. Butcher paper and water colors will do the trick, or a basic white tablecloth with fabric paint. Photo below is inspiration but I will be satisfied with a 50% success.

Serveware

Conversation starters while you pass the goods.

fish pitcher, vintage painted pitcher, glass scallop bowl, shell severs, petals orange bowl, rainbow splatter bowl, servers, tray

Dishes

A few years back I ate at the Ivy in LA and I’ve been coveting their signature dinner plate since. The painted motif screams summer to me, and the classic ivy print is first on my list.

floral plate set, ivy plates, striped plate, painted floral plate, melon bowls, Esmeralda dinner plate

Glassware

colored stem wine glasses, seashell martini glasses, etched floral drinking glass

Centerpieces

woven rattan urn, hand-painted vase, oval fruit basket

Little Touches

These battery-powered outdoor lamps changed my life, but this summer I’ll give them an upgrade and swap the shades for these or these. Getting rid of my hardware-store citronella candle and grabbing this beautiful one instead!

battery powered outdoor lamps, swap the lampshades for these, citronella candle

The only flatware I’ll be buying is this siren set.

siren silverware

Lastly, if I could, I would.

champagne cooler